Aganane Formation

The Aganane Formation is a Pliensbachian (Early Jurassic), with some levels being potentially Latest Sinemurian, geologic formation in the Khenifra, Midelt, Azilal, Béni-Mellal, Ouarzazate, Tinerhir and Errachidia areas, in the Middle and High Atlas of Morocco, being the remnant of a local massive Carbonate platform, and known mostly for its rich tracksites (up to 1350 tracks in 1988) including footprints of dinosaurs. Is (in part) coeval with the Calcaires du Bou Dahar. This unit is know by other multiple synonymous names such as Aït Chitachen, Aït Bazzi, Aghbalou or Assemsouk Formation in the High Atlas and Calcaires de Tizi Nehassa in the Middle Atlas.

This formation has been dated to the Pliensbachian stage of the Lower Jurassic, thanks to the find of the ammonite Arieticeras cf. algovianum, indicator of Middle Domerian (=Uppermost Pliensbachian) in the upper zone, and lower delimitation by the foraminifers Mayncina termieri and Orbitopsella praecursor (indicators of Lower Pliensbachian age).

The Aganane Formation starts at the W sequences referred to either the synonyms "Aït Chitachen/Aït Bazzi" Formations at sectors such as Demnate or Telouet (continental-fluvial, coastal lagoon) and Azilal area. At Tazoult, part of the Azilal profile contacts the bottom with the karst Talmest-Tazoult Formation, then a section where the Aganane itself indicates an eastward expansion of the carbonate facies, finally, a westward advance of the Imilchil pelagic facies, mostly part of the Jbel Choucht Formation or Ouchbis Formation.